The Secaucus Police Department hosted an awards ceremony at Town Hall on March 31, honoring more than two dozen officers for their exceptional bravery and professionalism in 2016.

“In the nature of police work, we go on calls, we deal with things, and we go on to the next thing,” Chief Kevin Flaherty said to the honorees. “And sometimes we forget when we’re moving forward to look at the past. This way, we can look at what happened in 2016.”

One group of officers who received the “Excellent Police Service Award” – based upon dedication, perseverance, skill, motivation, capability, or a highly credible accomplishment – saved a woman from a drug overdose last year.

On June 1, 2016, Sergeant Daniel Dobosz and Detective Joshua Sigmund were off-duty around Fourth Street and Flanagan Way when they came across a woman slumped over and unresponsive in her car. The two requested assistance from Officer Mark Valentino, Detective Sergeant Austin Hawxhurst, and Officer Roy Sanchez-Ortega, all of whom were on duty.

With EMS assistance, the officers administered the opioid overdose antidote Narcan to the woman, saving her life.

_____________ “My hat’s off to each and every one of you. Keep it up.” – Mayor Michael Gonnelli____________

In a another life-saving piece of police work on Dec. 5, Police Officer Tyler Pein responded to a 911 call about a man standing on the bridge support column of the Route 3 overpass on Paterson Plank Road, opposite the protective fencing. Pein managed to convince the man, upset by recently losing a loved one, to come back to the other side.

Pein also received an Excellent Police Service Award for his efforts.

Burning buildings and foiled burglars

Other Excellent Police Service Award recipients included Officer Nicholas Spangenberg and EMS Director Glenn Berchtold. On Dec. 9, Spangenberg responded to a County Avenue building’s smoke condition on the second floor. Spangenberg forcibly entered the apartment that the smoke originated from without any breathing apparatus, located an unconscious 88-year-old woman, and carried her to safety, where medical officials treated her for smoke inhalation.

Berchtold also assisted with that rescue.

For the “Unit Citation” award, which goes to members or employees of a division, bureau, shift, unit, or detail whose performance during an assignment is outstanding, one group of officers received the distinction for stopping a burglary in progress at a Koelle Boulevard residence on March 28.

Many other officers at the ceremony received the Excellent Police Service and Unit Citation awards as well.

“This is something the police department started last year, and I’m real happy that it’s back,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “It’s something we really should be doing. My hat’s off to each and every one of you. Keep it up.”